Evaluation of two rapid assays for detecting Cryptosporidium parvum in calf feces

Abstract

Objective-To evaluate 2 rapid, patient-side assays for detection of Cryptosporidium parvum in feces from neonatal calves with diarrhea. Design-Diagnostic test evaluation. Sample Population-Fecal samples from 96 neonatal (1 to 30 days old) calves with diarrhea. Procedure-Results of the rapid assays were compared with results of microscopic examination of fecal smears that had been stained with diamant fuchsin stain. Results-One of the rapid assays correctly identified 56 of 62 (90%) fecal samples positive for C parvum oocysts and 33 of 34 (97%) fecal samples negative for oocysts. The other assay correctly identified 53 of 62 (85%) fecal samples positive for oocysts and 33 of 34 (97%) fecal samples negative for oocysts. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance-Results suggest that these 2 rapid assays are accurate when used to detect C parvum in fecal samples from neonatal calves with diarrhea.